Launch APK Installer Oreo

Question

I have had this code working for some time now but with Android Orea it doesn't work.

        Context context = mContextRef.get();

        if (context == null) {
            return;
        }

        // Get the update
        String filepath = getDownloadLocation();
        File apkFile = new File(filepath);

        Uri fileLoc;
        Intent intent;

        if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.N) {
            intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_INSTALL_PACKAGE);
            fileLoc = android.support.v4.content.FileProvider.getUriForFile(context, mFileProviderAuthority, apkFile);
        } else {
            intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW);
            fileLoc = Uri.fromFile(apkFile);
        }

        intent.setDataAndType(fileLoc, "application/vnd.android.package-archive");
        intent.setFlags(Intent.FLAG_GRANT_READ_URI_PERMISSION | Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_NEW_TASK | Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_CLEAR_TOP);

        context.startActivity(intent);

This code works with all version of android except 8.0 and above.

Edit

Sorry for not explaining more. IT doesn't work meaning, it flashes a window for a fraction of a second and disappears (some times imperceptibly) and continues on in the old app. The file is successfully downloaded (I can navigate to it and install) but when I try to start the activity to install it programmatically it fails with no errors or logs at all.

Answer 1

Apparently if your app targets later versions of android the android.permission.REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES permission is required in the manifest otherwise nothing happens except a single line error in the LogCat.

So include the following in manifest.xml file:

<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES"/>

Manifest API for REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES